All Is Bright - K. Sterling Page 0,47

wiped his lips and shook his head.

“I know better than to tell them the truth. I am absolutely out of my mind,” he admitted readily but he leaned and offered his cheek when Reginald slid into the seat next to his.

“I love that about you,” Reginald said as he shook out his napkin and laid it across his lap.

“I’m also extremely forgiving,” Paul pointed out. Reginald hummed loudly in agreement as he stretched and kissed his cheek again.

“Very,” he agreed. “And you’re a beast in the sack. I love that a hell of a lot,” he added then pointed. “Could you pass the pepper, please.” He licked some butter off his finger and thanked Paul before shaking pepper onto his eggs. They looked up as Casper arrived and he coughed softly.

“Would it be alright if I...” His eye dropped to the seat next to Lavender’s.

“Of course!” Lavender insisted as he pulled the chair back for him. Casper looked away and mumbled a thank you as his unblemished cheek turned pink. He sat and took his time arranging his silverware and smoothing his napkin over his thigh. Hawk took the seat across from Casper but he offered Lavender a salute and he didn’t sense as much wariness.

“What about you, Mr. Grim?” Cyril asked. “Holding any grudges?” He sounded almost hopeful and his eyes crinkled at the corners as Casper pulled a face.

“Several but none of you are on my shit list,” he said. Hawk sighed contentedly as he ate and Lavender wondered if he needed a psychiatric evaluation.

“I have zero complaints,” he stated cheerfully and Casper was blushing again. It was both adorable and a little unsettling but Lavender couldn’t be more pleased.

“And when will we see the two of you in Lake Cliff?” He asked and Hawk waved his fork airily as he mentally consulted his calendar.

“As much as I enjoyed this little house party, I’m looking forward to spending the rest of the holidays hiding in the cottage with Casper. So...early spring, maybe?” He said and checked with Casper. He was stuck for a moment, stunned and blinking until he sniffed hard.

“I think that sounds...perfect,” he croaked. Cyril rolled his eyes but he was smiling behind the rim of his coffee cup. Then, Cyril became serious as he set down his coffee and sat forward.

“I’m in your debt, Lord Marston. You designed a security puzzle so elaborate the CIA and a Mossad expert weren’t able to penetrate it. Blackhurst and most of its treasures survived thanks to you and the team you’ve assembled. I am deeply indebted to you and I won’t forget that,” he said solemnly. Reginald shook his head as he chewed and swatted dismissively.

“The hardest part was keeping it all from them. The rest was child’s play, honestly, but I will keep that in mind,” he said then pointed his fork at the lox on his plate. “That’s delightful. Can I get a bloody Mary?” He asked then got up to follow Alon to the study. Lavender pinched the bridge of his nose as he chuckled.

“He’s right, though. It’s no surprise that my security experts would best the CIA. They’ve been doing it for years. That’s why I put up with Reginald and Denver and know better than to cross Toly.

“Now, it’s a perfect breakfast,” Reginald said when he returned with his drink. “Here’s to our host. Shockingly not the worst or wildest house party I’ve attended,” he announced before he drank. Cyril threw up a hand dramatically.

“I did my best. That being said.” He tossed his napkin at the table and rose. “I have a call with Langley in ten minutes so Alon will see you off. It’s been a delight but please finish your meals and get the hell out of my house,” he said warmly then bowed before he took himself off. Lavender snorted as he sat back and crossed his legs.

“The consummate host, as always,” he drawled and Reginald grinned as he sipped his drink.

“His eye twitch is my favorite amenity,” he said and they looked up as Lane and Aiden stopped by on their way out.

“It’s nice outside so we’re going to take a walk through the gardens now that we’re allowed to wander past the terrace. We’ll meet you out front,” Lane told them and Paul gasped as he turned in his seat so he could see them.

“What about Reginald and Aiden’s routine thing?” He asked. Lane groaned as he threw up his hands.

“We totally forgot! There’s still a little